The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. Bound for London Gatwick, the flight was carrying 242 passengers, with initial reports confirming over 100 fatalities and many more injured after the aircraft descended into a residential and hostel zone near Meghani Nagar.

Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of THSC and Former President of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), extended heartfelt condolences to the families impacted.

“This tragedy has not only shaken communities but also cast a shadow over the spirit of travel and exploration that unites us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, the brave rescue workers, and the medical staff tirelessly working on the ground. We stand in solidarity and commit to supporting relief and rehabilitation efforts in any way we can,” she said.

Reflecting on the wider implications of such disasters, Mrs. Mayal stressed the importance of safety and preparedness within the travel and hospitality industry.

“Incidents like these serve as stark reminders that safety is the foundation of a resilient tourism sector,” she noted.
“When tragedy strikes, it disrupts not just lives but also the confidence of travelers, the livelihoods of those dependent on tourism, and the overall image of a destination.”

THSC reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing crisis management across the industry and announced that it is actively exploring the integration of emergency response modules into its certification programs, equipping hospitality professionals with the skills needed to respond effectively during such unforeseen events.

“The Ahmedabad crash is a solemn reminder of the interdependence between safety, preparedness, and public trust in travel,” added Mrs. Mayal.

As the nation comes to terms with the loss, THSC stands united with all affected and will continue to advocate for stronger safety measures, staff training, and cross-sector coordination to uphold the highest standards of traveller security and confidence.